An alarming increase in spyware infections detected in the first quarter of this year demonstrates the continued need for best-of-breed anti-spyware protection, according to anti-spyware developer Webroot Software. Based on research released today in Webroot’s quarterly State of Spyware report, a dramatic rise in the prevalence of adware combined with a significant increase in the most malicious types of Trojans and system monitors resulted in the highest infections rates since the first quarter of 2005.

According to Webroot’s State of Spyware Report the first quarter of 2006 marked a dramatic increase in spyware attacks as well as spyware sophistication. For example, Webroot reports significant rise in Trojan horse infection rates with an increase to 29 percent, up from 24 percent during the fourth quarter of 2005. The report confirms that the only way to effectively combat complicated spyware, like Trojan horses and system monitors, is with best-of-breed software, such as Spy Sweeper Enterprise. This best-of-breed approach gives Webroot’s Channel Edge Partners a substantial competitive advantage and will continue to be of key importance in the sales process as spyware becomes more convoluted.

Webroot also found that more than 50 percent of small to medium sized businesses (SMB) experienced a spyware attack in Q1 2006. In its recently released "Spyware & Small Business", an informative guide developed exclusively for SMBs to educate and inform them about the massive risks spyware poses, Webroot explains that smaller businesses are especially vulnerable to spyware attacks. This is due to their often limited IT resources and lack of network security. Webroot’s Channel Edge Partners will play an increasingly important role moving forward to deliver Spy Sweeper Enterprise to this market segment more rapidly to better protect, detect and remove spyware from these vulnerable enterprise networks.

"This fight has only just begun. Our research shows us that spyware is on the rise and is not going away any time soon. The good news is that Webroot and its channel partners are committed to protecting businesses with the best anti-spyware protection," said C. David Moll, CEO of Webroot Software Inc. "Our channel partners have already established themselves as trusted IT security resources for their customers and as Webroot executes its channel strategies and grows as a channel-focused organization throughout 2006 and beyond, we will continue to provide the resources and support services to help our partners succeed in arming their customers with the best anti-spyware protection."

Since the introduction of Webroot’s Channel Edge Partner program earlier this year, Webroot has seen a 62 percent increase in its channel related sales. To support this important program, the company has rolled out several valuable resources and incentives to support its channel partners throughout the sales process and further drive global sales of Spy Sweeper Enterprise. One such resource is the Webroot Channel Edge Partner Portal. This password protected and secure online tool is available exclusively to Webroot partners and provides an unrivaled lineup of ROI driven sales tools, training materials and marketing support.

Webroot also granted its Premium Channel Edge Partners access to the Enterprise Spy Audit tool to quickly, easily and accurately evaluate customers’ level of spyware risk. This unique tool gives Premium Partners a clear competitive advantage to increase profitability and shorten sales cycles. Already, more than 70 percent of Webroot’s Premium Partners are actively using this tool. Also recently introduced was Webroot Opportunity Registration, a simplified process to register new deals. This incentive program was specifically designed to increase profit margins, mitigate channel conflict and fuel consistent revenue growth for Webroot’s valued Channel Edge Premium Partners.

"We’ve had a great experience working with Webroot thus far. The value Spy Sweeper Enterprise provides is undeniable as the threat of spyware spreads throughout the enterprise, worldwide," said George Vahle, executive vice president, The I.T. Pros. "That, combined with the excellent partner support services Webroot offers have contributed to a simplified and seamless sales process. We value the relationship we have built with Webroot and envision a long–term business alliance."

About Webroot

Webroot delivers next-generation endpoint security and threat intelligence services to protect businesses and individuals around the globe. Our smarter approach harnesses the power of cloud-based collective threat intelligence derived from millions of real-world devices to stop threats in real time and help secure the connected world. Our award-winning SecureAnywhere® endpoint solutions and BrightCloud® Threat Intelligence Services protect tens of millions of devices across businesses, home users, and the Internet of Things. Trusted and integrated by market-leading companies, including Cisco, F5 Networks, Aruba, Palo Alto Networks, A10 Networks, and more, Webroot is headquartered in Colorado and operates globally across North America, Europe, and Asia. Discover Smarter Cybersecurity™ solutions at www.webroot.com.